Commodities

European wheat futures fall as Black Sea talks speculation rises
December Euronext wheat contract drops 0.9% to €236.75 per tonne amid reports of potential diplomatic engagement between Russia and Ukraine. Milling wheat N2 declines 1.65%.

Why the Gold Surge Is a Warning Sign for the Whole Commodity Complex
Rising US yields and fiscal strain are pushing investors into gold, but the rally may signal deeper risk‑off pressures across energy and metals.

CME launches U.S. zinc futures as first trades executed by Glencore, Trafigura
New physically settled contract on COMEX follows March 2026 duty-paid specification update, with initial trades for September delivery executed via CME Globex.

Russia’s July petroleum output falls 19.3% year-on-year
Output declined for a sixth straight month as drone attacks on refineries weighed on production, though the drop narrowed from June’s 21.7% slump.

Gold rallies on debt concerns; $5,000 target eyed as rates rise
Fidelity fund manager doubles gold exposure as rising yields reflect deeper fiscal strain. Analysis flags $4,800-$5,000 resistance zone and potential short-term pullback.

Barclays maintains positive steel sector outlook despite trade tensions
Analysts cite tight supply and strong industrial demand as key drivers, while U.S.-Canada trade dispute adds uncertainty to near-term outlook.

Sonoco raises recycled paperboard prices in Europe by €60/tonne
Sonoco’s European unit will increase prices for uncoated recycled paperboard grades by €60 per tonne starting September 2026, citing inflation, energy costs and geopolitical constraints.

WTI Midland oil prices fall after Chevron reduces offer in Platts window
Chevron lowered its September cargo offer by 20 cents to dated Brent plus $1.10, contributing to a broader decline in WTI Midland prices during the Platts trading session.

Brazil to keep 2026/27 soybean area flat as margins, credit tighten
Soybean planted area in Brazil forecast at 49.2 million hectares, nearly unchanged from 2025/26, as rising debt and expensive credit curb expansion. Corn area seen rising 700,000 hectares to 23.3 million.

Vale flags up to 50 mln t iron ore potential at Carajás expansion
CEO says block C in Serra Sul could add 40-50 mln t/yr capacity pending regulatory reforms and licensing streamlining.

U.S. power output rises 6.1% year-over-year in latest week
Weekly power production in the continental U.S. reached 100,895 GWh for the week ended Aug. 22, up 6.1% from the same period last year, Edison Electric Institute data show.

Gold Fields posts H1 2026 cash flow surge on Salares Norte ramp-up
Adjusted free cash flow more than doubled to $2.23 billion as production hit 1.27 million ounces. Salares Norte contributed 337,000 ounces, with guidance raised to 550,000–600,000 ounces annually.

Trump says Strait of Hormuz cleared of mines, warns Iran against new placements
U.S. president claims all explosives removed from key shipping route; Iran warned of 'zero tolerance' for future mine deployments. Monday data shows 5 million barrels per day transiting the strait.

Copper prices surge toward record on U.S. tariff threat, tight supply
LME copper rallies within 1.2% of all-time high as U.S. stockpile withdrawals and potential tariffs disrupt global supply-demand balance.

U.S. sanctions pressure weighs on oil prices amid Iran tensions
Treasury’s ‘economic asphyxiation’ campaign targets Iranian exports, while analysts warn of broader supply risks. Canadian trade rhetoric adds noise but little market impact.

Trump says all mines cleared from Strait of Hormuz, warns Iran
U.S. President states Iranian mines in international waters have been removed or detonated. Iran warned any new mining will prompt retaliation.

Ferroglobe outlines growth strategy at Midwest IDEAS Conference
Silicon metal producer details cost cuts, critical materials push and Venezuela asset restart plans amid weak pricing and trade pressures.

BW LPG unit to sell vessel for $64 million
BW LPG India, a 52%-owned subsidiary, will sell the 2007-built VLGC BW Birch for $64 million, generating a $37 million net book gain ahead of mid-November delivery.

BlackRock, JPMorgan back Chinese lithium over Australian miners
Spot lithium carbonate surged 5% this week as UBS cut Australian producers, but Chinese firms reported triple-digit profit growth. Institutional positioning suggests divergent views on the lithium cycle.

Middle East war at six months: Markets digest oil spikes, gold swings
Six months after the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a regional conflict, Brent crude averages $90, gold has rebounded 15% and global stocks hit a record. Regional economies and food prices show divergent impacts.

Greatland Resources posts $862 mln profit in first year at Telfer mine
Revenue reached $2.26 bln as gold and copper output drove strong cash generation. Debt-free balance sheet boosted by $1.29 bln in cash.

TotalEnergies exits Arctic LNG 2 project in Russia, retains $1.3bn claim
French energy major transfers its 10% stake in the Russian LNG project to Novatek subsidiary NordLine. Reimbursement of $1.3bn shareholder loans remains contingent on sanctions compliance.

Brazil's Lula to sign fertilizer industry stimulus bill, Alckmin says
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin says President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will approve legislation to boost domestic fertilizer production, including subsidies and blending mandates.

Trump to review beef processing rules amid farm group backlash over tariff plan
President says he will examine regulations as U.S. meatpacking industry faces scrutiny over potential cartel-like practices. Farm groups warn easing beef tariffs could harm domestic ranchers.

